New Study- Back surgery leads to long-term societal benefits

According to new study ‘Cost-effectiveness of Lumbar Discectomy’ published in the scientific journal The Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research states that the surgical treatment for the herniated discs enhances the annual earnings and also helps in reducing the number of work days employees that they miss due to their back pain. Further this study found that after four-year period of the surgery results in the cost offsets that is more than $5,000.This is due to high earnings scenario of the patients who underwent the surgery. The co-author of the study Michael Schafer, MD, professor of orthopaedic surgery, Northwestern University explains, “Back pain is one of the most common and the most difficult orthopaedic conditions for patients, since both standing and sitting may exacerbate the pain. As a result, whether you work in physical labor or sitting at a desk, back pain can affect your ability to work. This study strengthened the body of research that indicates surgery to repair herniated discs can be effective and cost-effective for patients.”